I am a passenger on the Viking Jupiter. I spent the past two weeks sailing on the “Viking Homelands” itinerary from Stockholm to this beautiful Norwegian port with fascinating stops along the way in Finland, Poland, Germany, and Denmark. I will miss the ship and the many passengers and crew I met along the way. With a bit of sadness, I stood on my balcony as we sailed into Bergen, my last port, before flying home.
As soon as we dock, I set out on an included motor coach tour of the main sites.
Founded in 1070 AD by King Olaf III Haraldsson as a Viking enclave, Bergen features many historical sites. We stop for a panoramic view of the harbor, followed by the medieval King Haakon’s Hall, a statue of composer Edvard Grieg, and the Rosenkrantz Tower.
The city is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave). Our last tour stop is Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses reflects in the quay they face.
After the tour ends, I explore Bryggen wharf before walking back to the ship.
The next day I fly home. It was a fantastic adventure. Viking is an excellent cruise line. The ship, with its sleek Scandinavian design, is welcoming and peaceful. Employees are friendly, helpful, and professional.
I highly recommend Viking’s Ocean, River, or Expedition cruises. For more information, click here.
Bergen is on my short list for upcoming travels, all the more now that I’ve seen your blog and photos!
And I agree. Viking is an excellent line. Our expedition to Antarctica was memorable in large part because of how we were treated by them.